Today, June 20, is a special day, and not just because of the Cavs' victory. For the first time in almost 70 years, there's a full moon on the summer solstice — so here's how to celebrate. Because what are you going to do? Not celebrate it? Please. I know you wouldn't waste such an opportunity. Everything about this day is delightful. There's nothing to dislike.
The summer solstice gives us more sunlight than any other day of the year. The longest day of the year and the start of summer, the solstice has historically been regarded as a pretty magical day throughout a number of cultures and religions. Pretty rad, right?
Generally, there are 12 full moons a year, one for each month. Each month's moon has a name, too. June's full moon is known as the Strawberry Moon, because it signaled to Algonquin tribes that it was time to begin gathering fruit that had ripened. Although the Strawberry Moon isn't named because of its color — it's not typically red — this year, there's a good chance it actually will take on a pinkish, amber hue. Because the full moon is also coinciding with a very bossy and attention-grabbing sun, it won't rise as high, and will have to project its light through thicker, more humid air. It's an incredibly rare event, which just makes it cooler.
So, to recap: Summer, sun, strawberry, celebration. Here's how to embrace all of that in one fell swoop.
1. Get Outside
Hi, hello. It's the longest, sunniest day of the year. It's the start of summer. It's a Monday and things are not awful. All of these are reasons to get out of those awful office fluorescent lights for a little bit, even if it's just for five minutes. And even better, once you get out of work, or school, or whatever, there's a good chance it will still be light out!
2. Stretch Your Body
Do some sun salutations! Do some sun salutations outside in the sun! Celebrate being here and alive and a true summer babe. Here's a comprehensive list of sun salutation sequences. Have at it, my flexible angels.
3. Go Foraging
Berry-picking is an amazing upside to existing during the summer months. Even if you live in a major city, there's a good chance there will be a u-pick farm somewhere nearby. Nature is pretty cool, you guys.
4. Socialize
Get your favorite humans together. Get your favorite humans together outside. Get your favorite humans together outside and celebrate the moon, the sun, and the strength we gather from our best relationships.
5. Organize A Potluck
What better way to watch the sun finally go down than eating snacks with buddies? Apply a theme to the foods, or just let everyone bring what they want. (Be aware that everyone may just bring wine, but honestly, that's a pretty OK way to start the summer.)
6. Write Down Your Intentions
An intentions ritual is a classic Wiccan practice for full moons, when your personal energy is at its peak. How do you want to spend the next month? How do you want to spend the summer? Write down your thoughts on slips of paper, and take turns burning them and sending them up to the universe.
